West End eateries closed for renovations: L'Éclair de Génie, Joe's Grill, Shizen Ya, and more

If you see some of your favourite eateries with papered up windows, it may not necessarily mean that they’ve permanently shut down.

Many restaurateurs are taking the opportunity to beautify their businesses or devote some time to upkeep and maintenance of their premises during a quieter period in dining out—thanks to factors like post-holiday bills tightening budgets, health-related new year’s resolutions, or extended hangovers.

That’s particularly true of pedestrian traffic in the English Bay area in Vancouver, which tends to be ebb during rainy winters and surge in the summer as throngs of people (boosted by tourists) flock to the beaches, Stanley Park, and the seawall or to summertime events like the fireworks or Pride parade.

Such has been the case with two Denman Street establishments—Italian restaurant Amici Miei and taco shop La Catrina, which temporarily closed but have since reopened after renovations.

Meanwhile, L’Éclair de Genie at 1210 Robson Street closed on December 4 for renovations. However, a reopening date hasn’t been determined yet.

“We are unsure of when the renovations will be over and so we cannot give an exact date of when we will reopen our store,” the éclair shop stated on social media as well as on a note on the door of the location. “We apologize for any inconvenience but any orders that were made prior to this announcement will be fulfilled.”

The Georgia Straight has contacted the shop for further details.

The Paris-based pastry shop, which specializes in éclairs, launched its first North American location in Vancouver in late April 2017. The company has locations in France, Italy, Russia, China, and Japan.

Another sweet spot in the West End, Marble Slab Creamery, temporarily closed its doors on December 24 for renovations, with a note stating that it will reopen by the end of January.

The frozen dessert shop serves up everything from ice cream and ice-cream cakes to smoothies and milkshakes.

For those looking to get their Marble Slab fix, other location options in Vancouver include 541 West Broadway, in addition to locations in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, New Westminster, North Vancouver, and Surrey.

Another temporary closure is brunch spot Joe’s Grill at 948 Denman Street. A reopening date hasn’t been announced yet.

Alternatives include its other West End location at 1031 Davie Street, or its East Vancouver location at 3048 Main Street.

One more eatery closed for renovations is the health-oriented Japanese restaurant Shizen Ya, which opened not too long ago in July 2018 at 1059 Denman Street.

The location will be upgrading its kitchen, with plans to reopen in March.

In the meantime, those who want to order from their menu, which features organic, vegan, and gluten-free selections, can continue to do so at their downtown location at 965 Hornby Street or their Fairview shop at 1102 West Broadway.

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